Salzburg Things to Do: Walking Tour of Top Sights
In a ideal world every tourist would want to have a week to spend in Salzburg alone. But time is the major constraint we faced. With just a day in hand we planned a walking to tour of Salzburg and chalked out the things to do in this beautiful town.
The bus from our hotel dropped us off at Getreidegasse Street, Salzburg Old Town; from here we were on our own with just two books to guide us. A town well known for a variety of things ranging from chocolates, to music and movies and old architectural structures, it was initially difficult which to focus on. We walked on along the streets and cherished the sights as they came along.
Through the city flows the River Salzach, we toured the left bank first. This side has the famous Mozart’s place, fine churches and also the mighty fortress of Hohensalzburg. The following two pics of the city expanse and alpine settings, are the views from the fortress.
Altstadt – Old Town of Salzburg
Altstadt – Old Town of Salzburg
The Old town is designated as UNESCO World Heritage site because of its best preserved unusually uniform Baroque style designs. We crossed the market in this part of the old town, it was bursting with colors of food and flowers.
Market in Altstadt Salzburg
Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart’s Birthplace)
Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The first place we halted was at the building where he was born and resided here with his family till 1773. It has a bright yellow façade. Mozart was born in the third floor of this building on 27th Jan 1756.
Third floor of the museum is devoted to Mozart and his family, portraits, family letters and many such personal belongings. The second floor has objects related to his opera-composing period and at the ground floor you get an insight into his everyday family life. The exhibits are informative and interesting.
Timings and Tickets
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with extended hours in July and August). Tickets cost about 10 euros (about $11) with reduced rates for children.
Mozart’s Birthplace Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Imposing 11th century castle complex, it dominates the city skyline.
We visited the Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) which is one of the largest fully-preserved castles in Central Europe. Kids particularly enjoyed the Marionette Museum in the fortress.
River Salzach Salzburg
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
On the right bank of Salzach River are another set of interesting sight. Just one day for Salzburg and so we made a hurried visit to this part of the town and concentrated on just the Mirabell Palace, where most part of the shooting for the movie Sound of Music was done.
You can read here: Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The following picture is the view of the left side of the river with the fortress of Hohensalzburg as the outline. Do click to see the enlarged versions.
Sculpted image of Lion in Mirabell Garten
Mozart Square
Salzburg is the city of the ‘music master’ himself; has another name: City of Mozart. He lived here, composed music here, therefore many memorabilia around.
The Mozart square, very close to Salzburg cathedral has a huge statue of the master himself. Draped in classic clothing, the bronze statue is the creation of Ludwig von Schwanthaler. The statue was unveiled in 1842 in the presence of his two sons. What a proud moment it must have been for them! Tourists pause to have a good look at the statue, admiring his contributions in the field of music.
Statue of Mozart
Salzburg Carnival
A carnival seemed to be on the day we were in Salzburg. The historic center of Old Town of Salzburg was crowded, stalls were up with various goodies, and tourists had a great time rummaging through the displays, foods, knick-knacks.
The best part was the sight of musicians in their interesting colorful costumes. They were present with their instruments playing various tunes entertaining the visitors. As soon as a song would be over there would be huge applause and cheering, the crowds would ask for more.
There, I spotted two friends involved in a little chit chat during a small interval between songs. Isn’t the head gear interesting!
Pin this for later
Kauniita kuvia 🙂
Thats a lovely ariel view, and great pictures.
Austria is a nice place and Salzburg and Innsbruk are supposed to be great (remember Sound of Music ?)
Unfortunately we could not make it to these places this time and visited only Vienna.
What a lovely place.
Beautiful pictures. Greetings Andrzej.
Wonderful capture ………
scanning it from an aerial point, the view's just stunning! ^0^
Beautiful pictures ! I think I have been there when I was 13 or something, but don't remember much.
Great shots. I enjoy seeing the places you've visited. You have had some wonderful trips.
Lovely captures of this graceful city!
Lovely views of this beautiful city.
Beautiful place.
This is a city I must see, if possible! Thanks for the beautiful photos!
The town looked so peaceful and beautiful.
Very beautiful place. Spectacular view. Gorgeous pictures.
As soon as I saw Salzburg, I thought of the Sound of Music. What a beautiful place.
I had one brief visit to Salzburg several years ago but my aunt was fortunate to live there for four years in the 50's.
Wonderful view..!
It has been over thirty years since I have been to Austria, but your photos reminded me of its awesome beauty. Lovely shots!
How interesting. I didn't know Salzburg was where the Sound of Music was filmed. The architecture there must be amazing with the backdrop of the alps.
The Sound Of Music was definitely key in awakening me to how wonderful a place this area is, Indrani. Looking at the palace from afar you can almost hear the bells ringing. What a gorgeous setting for the movie and for the people who actually live there today.
Lovely photos, great blog.
The enlarged photos are marvelous, and the scenery is spectacular. Thank you for sharing your time there with us.
What a lovely place to visit. I use to love watching the Sound of music. It is a beautiful city. Thanks for sharing your tour.
A beautiful city.
I do love Salzburg! And you've captured it beautifully! And such lovely skies as well! The best of it all! Lovely world! Hope you had a great Independence Day!
Sylvia
Wunderbar liebe Indrani…
Viele Grüsse von mir zu Dir
Hans-Peter
Love the Sound of Music and always wanted to see this place, the setting of this classic.